With over 400 marinas in Ohio and over 500,000 registered boats, there’s a lot of activity in the state’s rivers and Lake Erie -- and a lot of potential for pollution, from fuel spills to plastic debris.

Ohio and 5 other Great Lakes states have Clean Marina programs that aim to educate marina owners about ways to improve air and water quality.

When Ohio’s program started over 10 years ago, marinas rushed to get a certification that would label them a “Clean Marina” – one that implements practices to improve air and water quality.

“The ODNR Division of Wildlife will be giving an update on Lake Erie fisheries – and this is something I think our marinas will be able to take back to our boaters and share that information,” said Orlando.